Hoogstraten VV Cruise to 3-0 Win Over KFC Houtvenne

Hoogstraten VV delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over KFC Houtvenne in the Belgian First Amateur Division on October 4, 2026, with a complete performance at both ends of the pitch. Two goals from Bram van Gestel and a late strike from Stijn Verhoeven sealed a comfortable three points.

Match Overview

Hoogstraten VV took control from the opening whistle, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Bram van Gestel opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a composed finish after a slick passing move. He doubled the lead in the 61st minute, heading home from a well-delivered free-kick. KFC Houtvenne rarely threatened, and Stijn Verhoeven added a third in the 79th minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The clean sheet capped a near-perfect afternoon for the hosts.

Key Moments

• 23rd minute: Hoogstraten’s opener. Bram van Gestel finished neatly after a one-two on the edge of the area.
• 45+1 minute: Houtvenne’s best chance, a header from a corner that went just wide.
• 61st minute: Van Gestel doubled the lead with a towering header from a free-kick.
• 79th minute: Stijn Verhoeven made it 3-0 with a low drive that beat the goalkeeper at his near post.
• 90th minute: Hoogstraten’s goalkeeper denied Houtvenne a late consolation with a strong save.

Tactical Story

Hoogstraten VV lined up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 that overwhelmed KFC Houtvenne in midfield. Their pressing forced turnovers in dangerous areas, and their wide players consistently stretched the visitors’ back four. Houtvenne tried to defend deep, but they struggled to clear their lines and offered little going forward. Hoogstraten’s set-piece routine for the second goal was executed perfectly, and their game management in the final 20 minutes was professional.

Standout Players

Bram van Gestel was outstanding with two goals and an assist, leading the line with intelligence and aggression. Stijn Verhoeven controlled the tempo in midfield and capped his performance with a goal. Hoogstraten’s central defenders, led by captain Jeroen Mertens, were rarely troubled and kept a well-deserved clean sheet. For KFC Houtvenne, goalkeeper Ruben Van Acker made several saves to prevent a heavier defeat.

Season Impact

Hoogstraten VV climb the Belgian First Amateur Division standings with this statement win, reinforcing their ambitions for a strong season. KFC Houtvenne remain in need of points and will be concerned by their lack of attacking threat in this match.